Effect the accumulation of bioactive constituents of a medicinal plant (Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge.) by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community.

BACKGROUND: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with various terrestrial plants and have attracted considerable interest as biofertilizers for improving the quality and yield of medicinal plants. Despite the widespread distribution of AMFs in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge's roots, research on the impact of multiple AMFs on biomass and active ingredient accumulations has not been conducted. In this study, the effects of five native AMFs (Glomus formosanum, Septoglomus constrictum, Rhizophagus manihotis, Acaulospora laevis, and Ambispora gerdemannii) and twenty-six communities on the root biomass and active ingredient concentrations of S. miltiorrhiza were assessed using the total factor design method. RESULTS: Thirty-one treatment groups formed symbiotic relationships with S. miltiorrhiza based on the pot culture results, and the colonization rate ranged from 54.83% to 89.97%. AMF communities had higher colonization rates and total phenolic acid concentration than single AMF, and communities also appeared to have higher root fresh weight, dry weight, and total phenolic acid concentration than single inoculations. As AMF richness increased, there was a rising trend in root biomass and total tanshinone accumulations (ATTS), while total phenolic acid accumulations (ATP) showed a decreasing trend. This suggests that plant productivity was influenced by the AMF richness, with higher inoculation benefits observed when the communities contained three or four AMFs. Additionally, the affinities of AMF members were also connected to plant productivity. The inoculation effect of closely related AMFs within the same family, such as G. formosanum, S. constrictum, and R. manihotis, consistently yielded lower than that of mono-inoculation when any combinations were applied. The co-inoculation of S. miltiorrhiza with nearby or distant AMFs from two families, such as G. formosanum, R. manihotis, and Ac. laevis or Am. gerdemannii resulted in an increase of ATP and ATTS by more than 50%. AMF communities appear to be more beneficial to the yield of bioactive constituents than the single AMF, but overall community inoculation effects are related to the composition of AMFs and the relationship between members. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that the AMF community has great potential to improve the productivity and the accumulation of bioactive constituents in S. miltiorrhiza, indicating that it is an effective way to achieve sustainable agricultural development through using the AMF community.

Novel ecological ditch system for nutrient removal from farmland drainage in plain area: Performance and mechanism.

The loading of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from agricultural drainage as the non-point sources is a worldwide environmental issue for aquatic ecosystem. However, how to remove these nutrients effectively from agricultural drainage remains a big challenge with increasing cemented ditches for better management. Here, we designed a novel ecological ditch system which integrated an earth ditch and a cemented ditch with iron-loaded biochar in the Chengdu Plain to reduce the loss of N and P from farmland. After a two-year monitoring, the removal efficiency of total N and total P reached 24.9% and 36.1% by the earth ditch and 30.7% and 57.8% by the integrated ditch system, respectively. The water quality was evidently improved after passing through the ditch system with the marked decrease in the concentrations of N and P. Dissolved organic N, nitrate, and particulate P became the dominant fractions of N and P loss. Rainfall soon after fertilization increased the concentrations of N and P in the ditch system and markedly affected their removal efficiency. The iron-loaded biochar effectively removed N and P from the drainage, especially at the high concentrations, which was mainly attributed to its high adsorption of the dissolved N and P fractions and the interception of the particulate nutrients. Our results indicate that the designed ecological ditch system has a high potential for alleviating agricultural non-point source pollution in the plain area and can be extended to other lowland agricultural ecosystems.

Enhanced interoceptive attention mediates the relationship between mindfulness training and the reduction of negative mood.

Although accumulating evidence has revealed the effect of mindfulness training on the reduction of general stress and the improvement of mental well-being, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether interoceptive attention to respiratory signals plays a role. Healthy adults were randomly assigned to either receive an 8-week mindfulness training (n = 29) or inactive control (n = 28). The pre- and post-training self-reported states of negative mood were assessed together with an objective measure of interoceptive attention to respiration. Compared to the control group, mindfulness training led to a decrease in the level of negative mood and an increase in interoceptive sensitivity. Mediation analysis further showed that the effect of mindfulness training on the reduction of negative mood was fully mediated by increased interoceptive sensitivity. These results suggest that mindfulness training effectively alleviates negative mood by enhancing interoceptive attention to respiratory signals.

Mobilization of soil phosphate after 8 years of warming is linked to plant phosphorus-acquisition strategies in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Phosphorus (P) is essential for productivity of alpine grassland ecosystems, which are sensitive to global warming. We tested the hypotheses that (1) mobilized 'calcium-bound inorganic P' (Ca-Pi ) is a major source of plant-available P in alpine meadows with alkaline soils after long-term warming, (2) mobilization of Ca-Pi is linked to effective plant carboxylate-releasing P-acquisition strategies under warming, and (3) the mobilization is also related to plant nitrogen (N)-acquisition. We conducted an 8-year warming experiment in an alpine meadow (4635 m above sea level) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A significant increase in P concentration in both aboveground and belowground biomass indicates an increased mobilization and assimilation of P by plants under warming. We observed a significant decrease in Ca-Pi , no change in moderately-labile organic P, and an increase in highly resistant organic P after warming. There was no increase in phosphatase activities. Our results indicate that Ca-Pi , rather than organic P was the major source of plant-available P for alpine meadows under warming. Higher leaf manganese concentrations of sedges and forbs after warming indicate that carboxylates released by these plants are a key mechanism of Ca-Pi mobilization. The insignificant increase in Rhizobiales after warming and the very small cover of legumes show a minor role of N-acquisition strategies in solubilizing phosphate. The insignificant change in relative abundance of mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria related to P cycling after warming shows a small contribution of microorganisms to Ca-Pi mobilization. The significant increase in leaf N and P concentrations and N:P ratio of grasses and no change in sedge leaf N:P ratio reflect distinct responses of plant nutrient status to warming due to differences in P-acquisition strategies. We highlight the important effects of belowground P-acquisition strategies, especially plant carboxylate-releasing P-acquisition strategies on responses of plants to global changes in alpine meadows.

Diversity and function of culturable actinobacteria in the root-associated of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge.

The root-associated actinobacteria play important roles in plant growth, nutrient use, and disease resistance due to their functional diversity. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a critical medicinal plant in China. The root actinobacterial community structure has been studied; however, the functions of root-associated actinobacteria of S. miltiorrhiza have not been elucidated. This study aimed to decipher the diversity and function of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria in plant growth using culture-dependent technology and culturable microbe metagenomes. We isolated 369 strains from the root-associated actinobacteria, belonging to four genera, among which Streptomyces was dominant. Besides, the functional prediction revealed some pathways related to plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, and antagonistic pathogens. We systematically described the diversity and functions of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria community. Our results demonstrated that the culturable root-associated actinobacteria of S. miltiorrhiza have rich functionalities, explaining the possible contribution of culturable root-associated actinobacteria to S. miltiorrhiza's growth and development. This study provides new insights into understanding the function of the culturable root-associated actinobacteria and can be used as a knowledge base for plant growth promoters and biological control agent development in agriculture.

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma in treating patients with burn wounds: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Burns are still regarded among severe health problems related to high morbidity and mortality rates globally. In essence, health problems associated with burns can cause significant economic burden to society. Regardless of treatment available options, no best treatment was considered adequate for treating severe burns. In particular, only a few studies have focused on the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma to treat burn wounds. The present study aim to systematically review existing literature to examine the effectiveness and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat burn wounds. METHODS: For this study, we will conduct a systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, as well as Scopus to discover randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for the examination of effectiveness and safety of autologous PRP to treat burn wounds from their inception to March 2021 with no language restrictions. Additionally, we will search Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as the reference lists of studies considered in the research to ascertain possibly eligible studies. We used two independent authors to evaluate studies for inclusion and conduct data extraction. We intend to assess study bias and quality utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Also, we will pool study results using the fixed-effects model or random-effects model. Finally, any disagreements emanating from the process will be addressed through discussion or using a third author to mediate situations leading to disagreement. RESULTS: The study aims at assessing the effectiveness and safety of autologous PRP for treating burn wounds. CONCLUSION: The study will provide specific substantiation to assess autologous PRP's effectiveness and safety in treating patients with burn wounds. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study does not require ethical approval since no published studies are used in it. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: March 29, 2021.osf.io/74z5u. (https://osf.io/74z5u/).

Coupling loss characteristics of N-P-C through runoff and sediment in the hilly region of SE China under simulated rainfall.

Soil total carbon (TC), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) exports from the weathered granite slopes are greatly influenced by the complex hydrological processes and terrain factors. In this study, the coupling loss characteristics of N-P-C via runoff and sediment were studied with two soil tanks under simulated rainfalls. Three soils respectively derived from the tillage layer (T-soil), laterite layer (L-soil), and sand layer (S-soil) were employed to determine the interactions of hydrology and topography on N-P-C exports under three rainfall intensities (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm/min). The erosion degree of different soils displayed an order of S-soil > L-soil > T-soil. The results showed that surface flow was the main runoff form for L- and T-soil, while underground flow was predominant for S-soil. There was a linear correlation between sediment and surface flow (R2 > 0.78). Surface flow was the dominant pathway of P loss via runoff with underground flow being an important supplementation, and the main P loss pattern switched between dissolved phosphorus (DP) and particle phosphorus (PP) during the experiment. However, P lost via eroded sediment accounted for more than 94% of the TP loss amount. N presented an opposite trend to P and was mainly lost via underground flow. The main N loss form in surface and underground flow was NO3--N. Underground flow was the predominant total nitrogen (TN) loss pathway for S- and L-soil, followed by sediment and surface flow. For T-soil, TN lost via runoff was much greater than that carried by eroded sediment. TC for S-soil was mainly lost via underground flow while that for L- and T-soil was mostly lost via surface flow. Both N-P loss loads in surface flow and P loss load in underground flow were positively correlated with TC loss load (p < 0.05), indicating that the presence of organic matter brings about more nutrient losses. These results expand our understanding of the combined effects of rainfall intensity and erosion degree on runoff and sediment yields as well as N-P-C losses from the bare weathered granite slopes of SE China.

Effects of Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Isolated on Root Biomass and Secondary Metabolites of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.

Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMFs) are a group of soil-dwelling fungi that form symbiotic associations with plants, to mediate the secondary metabolism and production of active ingredients in aromatic and medicinal plants. Currently, there is little research on Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. inoculation with native AMFs and the concomitant effects on growth and secondary metabolites. In this study, S. miltiorrhiza was treated with eight AMFs, i.e., Glomus formosanum; Gl. tenebrosum; Septoglomus constrictum; Funneliformis geosporum; Rhizophagus manihotis; Ambispora gerdemanii; Acaulospora laevis; Ac. tuberculata, to investigate the influence of AMF inoculation on biomass and secondary production under greenhouse conditions in S. miltiorrhiza roots. The results showed that mycorrhiza formation rates were between 54.83 and 86.10%. Apart from Ac. laevis and Gl. tenebrosum treatment, the roots biomass of the other treatment groups was effectively increased, and the fresh and dry weight of the plant inoculated with Fu. geosporum were increased by 86.76 and 86.95%, respectively. Specifically, AMF treatments also impacted on phenolic acids production; inoculation with both Fu. geosporum or Ac. laevis significantly reduced total phenolic acids, whereas the other treatments effectively increased these levels, of which Gl. formosanum generated significant levels. Most AMF-plant symbiotic experiments facilitated phenolic acid accumulation in the secondary metabolites of S. miltiorrhiza (except Ac. laevis). This study showed that most native AMFs inoculation with S. miltiorrhiza promoted roots growth and increased secondary metabolites production (especially phenolic acids). Going forward, inoculation of native AMF is a promising method to improve the quality and yield of S. miltiorrhiza and should be considered during production.

Graphene oxide functionalized with nano hydroxyapatite for the efficient removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution.

Water contamination caused by radionuclides is a major environmental issue. Uranium (U) belongs to the actinide group of elements. Hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) is radioactively and chemically harmful and highly mobile in the environment and wastewater stream. Therefore, developing highly efficient materials for minimizing the environmental impact of U(VI) is essential. To achieve this goal, we successfully synthesized a novel material, namely graphene oxide (GO)/hydroxyapatite (HAP), by directly assembling GO and HAP through a facile hydrothermal method, which exhibits effective U(VI) removal and immobilization. The GO/HAP composite has an outstanding sorption capacity for U(VI) (i.e., 373.00 mg/g) within 5 min at a pH of 3.0. The parameters from thermodynamic analysis indicated that the GO/HAP composite absorbed U(VI) through a process of spontaneous and exothermic adsorption. XPS, XRD, and FT-IR results revealed that the composite's phosphate group was mainly responsible for U(VI) retention and incorporation. The GO/HAP composite's enhanced U(VI) sorption capacity is most likely ascribed to the synergistic effect after functionalizing with nano HAP. The current findings may greatly facilitate the creation of rational design strategies to develop highly efficient materials that can treat radioactive wastewater.

Linking Short-Chain N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone-Mediated Quorum Sensing and Replant Disease: A Case Study of Rehmannia glutinosa.

Rehmannia glutinosa, a perennial medicinal plant, suffers from severe replant disease under consecutive monoculture. The rhizosphere microbiome is vital for soil suppressiveness to diseases and for plant health. Moreover, N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) regulates diverse behavior in rhizosphere-inhabiting and plant pathogenic bacteria. The dynamics of short-chain AHL-mediated QS bacteria driven by consecutive monoculture and its relationships with R. glutinosa replant disease were explored in this study. The screening of QS bacteria showed that 65 out of 200 strains (32.5%) randomly selected from newly planted soil of R. glutinosa were detected as QS bacteria, mainly consisting of Pseudomonas spp. (55.4%). By contrast, 34 out of 200 (17%) strains from the diseased replant soil were detected as QS bacteria, mainly consisting of Enterobacteriaceae (73.5%). Functional analysis showed most of the QS bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas genus showed strong antagonistic activities against Fusarium oxysporum or Aspergillus flavus, two main causal agents of R. glutinosa root rot disease. However, the QS strains dominant in the replant soil caused severe wilt disease in the tissue culture seedlings of R. glutinosa. Microbial growth assays demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of beneficial QS bacteria (i.e., Pseudomonas brassicacearum) by a phenolic acid mixture identified in the root exudates of R. glutinosa, but the opposite was true for harmful QS bacteria (i.e., Enterobacter spp.). Furthermore, it was found that the population of quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria that could disrupt the beneficial P. brassicacearum SZ50 QS system was significantly higher in the replant soil than in the newly planted soil. Most of these QQ bacteria in the replant soil were detected as Acinetobacter spp. The growth of specific QQ bacteria could be promoted by a phenolic acid mixture at a ratio similar to that found in the R. glutinosa rhizosphere. Moreover, these quorum-quenching bacteria showed strong pathogenicity toward the tissue culture seedlings of R. glutinosa. In conclusion, consecutive monoculture of R. glutinosa contributed to the imbalance between beneficial and harmful short-chain AHL-mediated QS bacteria in the rhizosphere, which was mediated not only by specific root exudates but also by the QQ bacterial community.

Fine sediment particle microscopic characteristics, bioavailable phosphorus and environmental effects in the world largest reservoir.

The transport and retention of sediments in fine grain sizes plays an important role in the cycles of phosphorus (P), and is closely related to the extent and potential for eutrophication in water reservoirs. In order to highlight the environmental indications for the transport of fine sediment particles and the associated bioavailable phosphorus (Bio-P) in the world largest reservoir, the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), the suspended and bed sediments were collected at 13 sections in 2016. The sediment physicochemical properties, micromorphology of sediment particles, distribution of elements on particle surface, P adsorption parameters, and P fractions in different grain sized sediments were analyzed. The results showed that the fine sediment particles had a strong P adsorption ability due to their micromorphology, mineral compositions, and the high contents of Fe/Al/Mn (hydr)oxides, which contributed a higher concentration of Bio-P in <16 µm sediment particles. The adsorption of P on the sediment particles occurred longitudinally along the TGR, and the fine sediment particles (<16 µm) dominated the transport and distribution of Bio-P in the TGR sediments. The reduced inflow and retention of fine sediment particles, caused by the construction of cascade reservoirs along the Jinsha River (upper reach of the Yangtze River), has resulted in the decrease in the retention of Bio-P in the TGR. Therefore, we conclude that the continuously decrease of inflow and retention of the fine sediment particles in the TGR, and with it a reduced sediment P buffer capacity, may enhance algal blooms occurrence also in view of the increased P discharge from the overall TGR catchment. The study results can contribute to improved management guidance on fine sediment particles and associated phosphorus for the operation and environmental protection of other large reservoirs in the world.

Cryptotanshinone: A review of its pharmacology activities and molecular mechanisms.

As a natural quinone compound, the medicinal value of cryptotanshinone (CT) has received increasing attentions, but there is no systematic literature review that describes the pharmacological activity of CT. This paper reviewed the pharmacology researches of CT, with a primary focus on its anti-tumor activity. We also discussed the underlying molecular mechanisms, and proposed future outlooks. In addition to anti-tumor activity, CT was found to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, visceral protective, anti-metabolic disorders and other abilities. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanisms contributing to the anti-tumor effect of CT likely involve the following aspects: the induction of apoptosis, targeting of ER and AR, reversion of MDR, combined pharmacotherapy, and the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We also found that different pharmacological effects involved various signaling pathways. Among them, STAT3-related signaling pathways played a vital role in the CT-mediated induction of tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation, while NF-κB signal pathway also was essential for inhibition of inflammation by CT. Furthermore, CT could significantly enhance the activities of several anticancer drugs and reverse their resistances in tumors. Therefore, we proposed suggestions for future studies of CT, including enhancing anti-tumor activity by targeting STAT3-related receptors, targeting NF-κB-related pathways to inhibit inflammatory responses, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy by combining with anti-tumor drugs, and further studying the dose-effect relationship to ensure safer and more effective applications of CT.

Divergent patterns of soil phosphorus discharge from water-level fluctuation zone after full impoundment of Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

Phosphorus (P) discharged from soils in the water-level fluctuation (WLF) zone becomes increasingly important to the water quality control of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) as the decrease in P input from upstream reaches and point-source pollution. To investigate the amount of soil P discharge from the WLF zone since the full impoundment of the TGR in 2010, soil and sediment samples were collected along the altitudinal gradients (140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 m above sea level) in three transects in the middle reaches of the TGR. Soil P composition was determined by a sequential extraction procedure. Different amounts of P discharge from the WLF zone were found among three soil types because of their difference in the initial P content before impoundment, with an order of yellow earth (171.1 g m-2), fluvo-aquic soil (141.7 g m-2), and purple soil (73.8 g m-2). An altitudinal pattern of soil P discharge was observed with the maximum at the 170-m sites. The downward transport of exchangeable P and clay-bound P with runoff was the major path of the soil P discharge at the 170-m sites with a slope gradient > 15°. Considerable P discharge with erosion at the upper section of the WLF zone was facilitated by the longer exposure period compared with that at bottom section (150-m sites) because of the annual anti-seasonal impoundment-exposure cycles of the TGR. The transformation of Al/Fe-P and subsequent release to water was a main mechanism of the soil P discharge during the impoundment period. The altitudinal pattern of P discharge was a result of joint effects of slope gradient, soil P forms, and the anti-seasonal hydrological regime of the TGR. The results highlight the critical role of the upper section (165-175 m) in controlling the P output from the WLF zone into the water of the TGR.

Assessment of the Diversity of Pseudomonas spp. and Fusarium spp. in Radix pseudostellariae Rhizosphere under Monoculture by Combining DGGE and Quantitative PCR.

Radix pseudostellariae is a perennial tonic medicinal plant, with high medicinal value. However, consecutive monoculture of this plant in the same field results in serious decrease in both yield and quality. In this study, a 3-year field experiment was performed to identify the inhibitory effect of growth caused by prolonged monoculture of R. pseudostellariae. DGGE analysis was used to explore the shifts in the structure and diversity of soil Fusarium and Pseudomonas communities along a 3-year gradient of monoculture. The results demonstrated that extended monoculture significantly boosted the diversity of Fusarium spp., but declined Pseudomonas spp. diversity. Quantitative PCR analysis showed a significant increase in Fusarium oxysporum, but a decline in Pseudomonas spp. Furthermore, abundance of antagonistic Pseudomonas spp. possessing antagonistic ability toward F. oxysporum significantly decreased in consecutively monocultured soils. Phenolic acid mixture at the same ratio as detected in soil could boost mycelial and sporular growth of pathogenic F. oxysporum while inhibit the growth of antagonistic Pseudomonas sp. CJ313. Moreover, plant bioassays showed that Pseudomonas sp. CJ313 had a good performance that protected R. pseudostellariae from infection by F. oxysporum. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that extended monoculture of R. pseudostellariae could alter the Fusarium and Pseudomonas communities in the plant rhizosphere, leading to relatively low level of antagonistic microorganisms, but with relatively high level of pathogenic microorganisms.

Selenium uptake, tolerance and reduction in Flammulina velutipes supplied with selenite.

Recently, selenium (Se) enriched mushrooms have been exploited as dietary Se supplements, but our knowledge of the metabolic process during the Se enrichment process is far from complete. In this study, the uptake, tolerance and reduction of selenite in a widely cultivated mushroom, Flammulina velutipes, was investigated. The results showed that pH variation (from 5.5-7.5), metabolic inhibitor (0.1 mM 2,4-DNP) and P or S starvation led to 11-26% decreases in the selenite uptake rate of F. velutipes. This indicates that a minor portion of the selenite uptake was metabolism dependent, whereas a carrier-facilitated passive transport may be crucial. Growth inhibition of F. velutipes initiated at 0.1 mM selenite (11% decrease in the growth rate) and complete growth inhibition occurred at 3 mM selenite. A selenite concentration of 0.03-0.1 mM was recommended to maintain the balance between mycelium production and Se enrichment. F. velutipes was capable of reducing selenite to elemental Se [Se(0)] including Se(0) nanoparticles, possibly as a detoxification mechanism. This process depended on both selenite concentration and metabolism activity. Overall, the data obtained provided some basic information for the cultivation of the selenized F. velutipes, and highlighted the opportunity of using mushrooms for the production of Se(0) nanoparticles.

The fate of phosphorus in sediments after the full operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

The hydro-dynamic conditions have been changed after the impoundment of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), which result in changes of phosphorus (P) distribution in sediments. To investigate the variation and storage of P in the surface sediments of the TGR, continuously and intermittently submerged sediment samples were collected from 14 sites in 2014, and P fractions were analyzed using a modified Hedley sequential extraction method. The results showed that the concentrations of total P (TP) (904 ± 105 mg/kg) in the sediments did not exhibit an apparent spatial trend. A decreasing trend of bioavailable P (Bio-P) concentration in the continuously submerged sediment (177 ± 29 mg/kg) was observed from Fuling to Zigui, while an opposite trend appeared in the intermittently submerged sediment (139 ± 49 mg/kg) from Jiangjin to Zigui. The water depth and sediment grain size had important implications for the variation of the Bio-P in the sediments along the TGR. After the full operation of the TGR, the concentration of TP in the intermittently submerged sediment from Fengjie to Zigui was significantly higher in 2014 compared with that in 2009. The continuously submerged sediment is a major P pool of the TGR with an annual Bio-P deposition flux of 2.14 × 10(4) t/a, of which 87% was retained in the reaches from Fuling to Zigui. Considering the slow release of P from the sediment (0.16-2.75 t/a), the sediment has been a P "sink" since the full operation of the TGR in 2010.

[Typical Medicinal Plants Community and Diversity Research in Altay Region of Xinjiang].

Objective: To investigate typical medicinal plants of Rheum altaicum, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Ferula sinkiangensis, Paeonia sinjiangensis, Ephedra equisetina, and Origanum vulgare in Altay region of Xinjiang, and to clarify their current existing situation under natural condition. Methods: Based on the 30 sample plots, ecological methods were used for investigating the community structure and species diversity of local medicinal plants. Results: 39 species belonging to 20 families,36 genera were recorded in the area. Xerophytic shrubs, half shrubs and herbs were dominant plants. The important values of six typical medicinal plants were 0. 32,0. 37,0. 42,0. 50,0. 49 and 0. 34,respectively. Six indexes of species diversity were generally low( 0. 63 ~ 0. 80),in which the species diversity indexes of Paeonia sinjiangensis, Ferula sinkiangensis, and Rheum altaicum were the highest( 0. 80,0. 80 and 0. 76),the species diversity indexes of Ephedra equisetina and Origanum vulgare were lower( 0. 74 and 0. 64),and the species diversity index of Glycyrrhiza uralensis was the lowest( 0. 63). Conclusion: Composition and community structure of medicinal plant species in Altay region of Xinjiang were relatively simple, which need to be protected urgently.

egoSlider: Visual Analysis of Egocentric Network Evolution.

Ego-network, which represents relationships between a specific individual, i.e., the ego, and people connected to it, i.e., alters, is a critical target to study in social network analysis. Evolutionary patterns of ego-networks along time provide huge insights to many domains such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology. However, the analysis of dynamic ego-networks remains challenging due to its complicated time-varying graph structures, for example: alters come and leave, ties grow stronger and fade away, and alter communities merge and split. Most of the existing dynamic graph visualization techniques mainly focus on topological changes of the entire network, which is not adequate for egocentric analytical tasks. In this paper, we present egoSlider, a visual analysis system for exploring and comparing dynamic ego-networks. egoSlider provides a holistic picture of the data through multiple interactively coordinated views, revealing ego-network evolutionary patterns at three different layers: a macroscopic level for summarizing the entire ego-network data, a mesoscopic level for overviewing specific individuals' ego-network evolutions, and a microscopic level for displaying detailed temporal information of egos and their alters. We demonstrate the effectiveness of egoSlider with a usage scenario with the DBLP publication records. Also, a controlled user study indicates that in general egoSlider outperforms a baseline visualization of dynamic networks for completing egocentric analytical tasks.

[One new truxillic amide compound from Abrus mollis leaves].

The butanol extract part was extracted and isolated with water, alcohol and different organic solvents from Abrus mollis leaves. 6 compounds were isolated and purified using various column chromatographies and identified with the spectral techniques such as UV, MS, TLC, HPLC and NMR. The structures of 6 compounds were trigonelline (1), praline (2), alanine anhydride (3), (Z)-N-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)tyrosine (4), (E)-N-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)tyrosine (5), and abrusamide C (6). Compound 6 is a new compound, and compounds 1-4 were isolated from the plant for the first time.

Altitudinal gradient of microbial biomass phosphorus and its relationship with microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and rhizosphere soil phosphorus on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain, SW China.

Microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) is one of the most active forms of phosphorus (P) in soils. MBP plays an important role in the biogeochemical P cycle. To explore MBP distribution and its relationship with other factors, the MBP and rhizosphere soil P concentrations and fractions in six vegetation zones on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain in SW China were investigated. The MBP distribution followed a parabolic pattern with altitude and the concentration was highest in the subalpine dark coniferous forest (SDC) zone, which was approximately 3500 m above sea level (asl). Below 3500 m asl, the MBP distribution was controlled by precipitation and vegetation type. In addition, temperature, precipitation and vegetation type controlled the MBP distribution at elevations above 3500 m asl. No specific distribution pattern was determined regarding rhizosphere soil P fractions. However, MBP was significantly correlated with the unavailable P fraction in the rhizosphere rather than with the available P fraction. This result suggests that the relationships between the rhizosphere soil P fractions and the MBP depend on time. The microbial biomass element ratios were relatively consistent on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain. However, variations in the microbial biomass element rations were observed in six of the vegetation zones. The mean C:N:P ratio was 9.0∶1.3∶1. Overall, vegetation type resulted in the observed fluctuations of the microbial biomass element ratio.